Illinois Supreme Court

The Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee will hear comments June 19 at a public hearing in Chicago on six proposals, including a proposal to establish a protective order for the release of medical information and a proposal involving the use of deposition testimony by a party.

The committee will also consider proposed changes to Supreme Court rules involving petitions for leave to appeal, amicus curiae briefs, and an appendix to briefs filed by appellants.

The Illinois Supreme Court has appointed Thomas M. Cushing as an at-large Cook County circuit judge.

Cushing was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Nicholas R. Ford on April 12. The appointment is effective June 19 and will conclude Dec. 7, 2020, when the position will be filled by the November 2020 General Election.

The Illinois Supreme Court on March 29 announced the amendment of Rule 274that pertains to multiple final orders and postjudgment motions.

The amended rule states: “A party may make only one postjudgment motion directed at a judgment order that is otherwise final and appealable. The motion must be filed either within 30 days of that judgment order or within the time allowed by any extensions.” (New language bolded.)

The Illinois Supreme Court has issued Supreme Court Rule 296, which requires that trial courts not use restraints on individuals involved in Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code proceedings unless the court conducts a separate hearing on the record as to the necessity for restraints.

The new rule is effective immediately. 

Rule 296, proposed by the 24-member Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning, was adopted to ensure that a dignified judicial process is maintained for the respectful treatment of persons in mental health cases who are subjects of the court proceedings.